Safety is an important part of any rv experience. One of the most important safety items on any trip is your electric trailer brakes. Almost all RV’s have electric trailer brakes and they are operated by a brake control inside the tow vehicle.
RV brakes operate by electronic control. When the brakes are pressed in the tow vehicle a proportional amount of electricity is sent to the magnets within the brake hubs. The magnets then apply pressure to an actuating arm physically engaging the brake pads to slow forward motion.
There are different types of brake controllers but mostly all sense the amount of deceleration and apply more and more force the harder you press on the brake pedal.
There are different types of brake controllers but mostly all sense the amount of deceleration and apply more and more force the harder you press on the brake pedal.
RV Brakes can be useful in precarious situation also. While getting passed on the interstate, and sway occurs from the air pressure, you can manually apply some brake pressure with the brake control to “align” the trailer. Always test that your brakes are working before each trip.
Another function of trailer brakes is to stop an out of control vehicle that has broken-away from the tow vehicle. A breakaway switch which is connected to the rear of the tow vehicle and to the front of the trailer is actuated when the two are separated. This breakaway causes the brakes to fully apply to slow down the trailer or 5th wheel. This is why it is very important to have a good and functioning battery on your trailer as it is the power source for the breakaway function.
Frequently inspect your brakes for wear including the magnets, actuating arms, brake pads, and related parts. Also ensure that the battery is maintaining a charge and receiving a charge from the tow vehicle while underway. See Your RV Outfitter or a trailer expert for details and questions.
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